Shatter Buggyhttp://www.shatterbuggy.com
Mobile iPhone & iPad RepairMon, 23 Feb 2015 23:07:22 +0000en-UShourly1Autonomous Vehicles – Self-Driving Carshttp://www.shatterbuggy.com/autonomous-vehicles-self-driving-cars/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/autonomous-vehicles-self-driving-cars/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 23:07:22 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=6454Last week we covered some evidence that could prove Apple is currently designing the Apple Car. One point that we hit is the Apple Car has to be self-driving. Considering the Apple car is set to arrive in 2020, this technology could be somewhat common place by then. Self-driving cars are not unheard of, and …Read More

Last week we covered some evidence that could prove Apple is currently designing the Apple Car. One point that we hit is the Apple Car has to be self-driving. Considering the Apple car is set to arrive in 2020, this technology could be somewhat common place by then. Self-driving cars are not unheard of, and if Apple is good at one thing, it’s perfecting currently available technologies.

Google's Self-Driving Car

Google is the poster child for self-driving cars. They have been experimenting with sensor-laden Prii and Lexus RX vehicles for years, logging over 700,000 miles of accident-free autonomous driving. Google’s system is expensive, complicated, and it’s not perfect. But, it works. If your goal is to have a vehicle that can drive itself on the freeway in bright light with no obstructive weather, Google has you covered. For example, the self-driving cars do struggle with wet roads and dark environments. However, their current autonomous abilities are still amazing.

Google’s self-driving cars can read road signs, see a cyclist from hundreds of meters away, avoid hazards on the road and merge into oncoming traffic seamlessly. What Google has accomplished is no small feat, and has set the stage for all future self-driving cars. Using this research as a template, in May of last year, Google unveiled it’s first self-driving car prototype. This adorable little marshmallow is capable of all the aforementioned feats in autonomy, but limited by a 100 mile range and a 25 mph speed cap. Those who have been lucky enough to ride in these vehicles walk away feeling impressed and wanting this technology to succeed. The Oatmeal does an excellent write up of the impressions the Google car has left.

The Utility of Self-Driving Cars

Self-driving cars mean no human error (95% of accidents), unlimited texting, no more drunk drivers, and no more parked vehicles wasting their lives. Most of your car’s life is spent parked on the street. What if your car could drive you to work, then go chauffeur people around town? The utility of these vehicles is far greater than that of our current cars.

Currently, several other companies are working on some form of vehicle autonomy. Tesla’s electric vehicles can do all the driving in good conditions, aside from steering. Staying with the flow of traffic and staying in the lane for you is no problem, turning however is still up to you. Volvo has a fleet of over 100 vehicles similar to Google’s that are fully autonomous. These vehicles will soon be putting around Sweden, turning driver’s commuting time into productive time.

With this trend of incrementally more successful self-driving cars taking place, it’s a no brainer that a company with muscle like Apple can produce such a thing within 4 years. The Apple Car fits nicely within Apple’s values. Improving and simplifying peoples lives, great design, utility and ecology all fit within Apple’s moral umbrella and will all contribute to Apple’s self-driving cars in 2020.

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/autonomous-vehicles-self-driving-cars/feed/0The Apple Carhttp://www.shatterbuggy.com/the-apple-car/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/the-apple-car/#commentsSat, 21 Feb 2015 22:30:09 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=6444Apple Car to Debut in 2020 A recent rumor from the folks at Bloomberg says Apple has plans to release an Apple Car by 2020, and that it will give Tesla a run for their money. The Apple Car has been fabled to be in R&D for a while now. Apparently it won’t be a …Read More

A recent rumor from the folks at Bloomberg says Apple has plans to release an Apple Car by 2020, and that it will give Tesla a run for their money. The Apple Car has been fabled to be in R&D for a while now. Apparently it won’t be a unicorn like the Apple TV, however. 9to5mac does an excellent roundup of why this rumor probably has some truth to it.

Apple is on an Automotive Hiring Spree

The most glaring indicator that Apple is hard at work on the Apple Car has to be their recent hires, beginning with five engineers from A123 systems. Three of these ‘acquired’ employees are PhD researchers of battery technology. A123 creates ‘advanced battery solutions’ that can be implemented in electric cars. Apple, being the eco-conscious, forward thinking company that it is, would definitely make an electric car over a dinosaur burning, CO2 emitting relic. Sure, these battery specialists could be merely working to improve batteries so we don’t have to charge our Watches every night, but the fact that they specialize in electric car batteries is pretty telling. Worth noting, A123 Systems has filed a lawsuit against Apple for poaching these engineers. Being unable to find qualified replacements, A123 is naturally upset. Apple is also accused of poaching a few other high profile Silicon Valley researchers.

Recently Apple and Tesla have been in a sort of poaching war, trying to entice engineers away from one another. Unfortunately for Apple, Tesla is winning. According to 9to5mac, over 150 Apple engineers have been whisked away to Tesla. Apple has ‘retaliated’ by offering Tesla engineers $250,000 signing bonuses and promised salary increases of up to 60%. Apple is always in need of good engineers, but they seem to desperately need Tesla engineers. Rather, those who have a great deal of experience crafting electric cars.

Apple’s other recent hires include the former CEO of Mercedes-Benz R&D and automotive safety, gearbox, transmission, mechanical design, power train, hybrid vehicle, renewable energy and product design engineers. One could argue the poached battery engineers could potentially be working on consumer electronics products, but with all of these automotive hires, it’s pretty hard to justify any other project than the Apple Car.

Autonomous Vehicles are the Future

All this evidence almost assuredly means the Apple Car is coming. We can expect an electric vehicle, that is beautifully designed and masterfully crafted. One with a simple, elegant in-dash system that communicates flawlessly with the current array of Apple devices. Lastly the vehicle will come with the ability to drive itself, if not fully, at least mostly. I’ll dive into the self-driving aspects in next weeks post.

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/the-apple-car/feed/0Microsoft Hololensehttp://www.shatterbuggy.com/microsoft-hololense/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/microsoft-hololense/#commentsMon, 16 Feb 2015 13:07:51 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=6065Microsoft Unveils the HoloLense Recently Microsoft stepped into the virtual reality space and unveiled the HoloLense. The HoloLense is a head-mounted augmented reality display. To be clear, it has nothing to do with holograms. That technology has yet to come to fruition in a feasible way. Essentially it takes information from the environment and projects …Read More

Recently Microsoft stepped into the virtual reality space and unveiled the HoloLense. The HoloLense is a head-mounted augmented reality display. To be clear, it has nothing to do with holograms. That technology has yet to come to fruition in a feasible way. Essentially it takes information from the environment and projects images into your field of view. For example, you’re looking at the wall, and you can project Minecraft onto it. Now you’re playing Minecraft with your house.

Why HoloLense is Different

Based on early reviews, the HoloLense projects a beautiful, high resolution image on the world you’re viewing, and it does it well. You can look at a surface, and then create an image of a 3D model. To you, the image looks like its really right there on the surface. You’re able to walk around it, viewing it from all angles as if it really existed within a 3D space. Not only can you view the object as if it existed within a 3D space, you can also interact with said object. You can push it off the table and watch it fall to the floor, or pick it up and manipulate it.

The HoloLense also has a front facing camera for which Microsoft paints a very specific situation where this camera becomes usable. The example they use is performing a simple home repair. Within your HoloLense you have an open Skype window where you’re video chatting with someone. This person then gets a first person view of what you’re seeing through the HoloLense. This way, they are able to guide you through the repair, and see what you’re doing in real time.

HoloLense vs Oculus VR

How does the HoloLense compare to Oculus? While very similar, I feel their intended applications are very different. While the HoloLense can paint a virtual space over reality, the Oulus Rift is purely VR, no augmented reality at all. A HoloLense is also a computer as well as an augmented reality display. This makes the HoloLense a better candidate for getting work done. Whereas the Oculus would probably perform better for consuming media such as video games, or movies. Additionally, due to the fact that the Oculus’ goal is to completely immerse you, while by definition, the HoloLense allows you to see the world around you, the Oculus will most likely provide better presence and immersion.

The Bottom Line

The HoloLense is going to be an impressive addition to the computing arsenal. After you’re through getting work done with your HoloLense, you can strap on your Oculus and play some games.

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/microsoft-hololense/feed/0Oculus Rift VRhttp://www.shatterbuggy.com/oculus-rift-vr/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/oculus-rift-vr/#commentsSat, 14 Feb 2015 21:04:06 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=6050Virtual Reality (VR) is Here! Currently there are several Virtual-Reality Head-Mounted displays being developed by a few companies, specifically, Facebook owned Oculus, Samsung and Sony. This week I will examine the need for these devices as well as the limitations that they face. Why Oculus VR? These head-mounted displays offer a truly immersive experience for …Read More

Virtual Reality (VR) is Here!

Currently there are several Virtual-Reality Head-Mounted displays being developed by a few companies, specifically, Facebook owned Oculus, Samsung and Sony. This week I will examine the need for these devices as well as the limitations that they face.

Why Oculus VR?

These head-mounted displays offer a truly immersive experience for consuming content. Imagine playing a game, or watching a movie, where the world in front of you completely covers your field of view. When you physically look left and right, the camera within the game moves accordingly, giving you a sense of presence you’ve never felt while consuming any form of media. Presence can be loosely defined as being so immersed in the experience, that you forget you’re using the technology at all.

Achieving Presence in VR

Tracking - The device has to be able to track not only your head turning but also where your head moves in a 3D space. This accomplishes things like crouching and jumping within the game. Tracking is very important. If you turn around, but your in game character does not make a full 180, this takes you out of the experience and diminishes presence.

Latency - Latency must be minuscule. If one turns their head, and the game does not respond fast enough, again the experience is diminished.

Persistence - This one has to do with motion blur. If you turn your head quickly and the image within the device is blurry and cannot keep up with the turn, it looks terrible. You want the motion blur to match real life. This is where persistence comes in.

Resolution - The image that the screen produces has to be of a certain quality. Oculus specifies at least 1000 x 1000 pixels per eye. If you can discern pixels on a non HD image, this again takes you out of the experience.

Optics - The device itself must be comfortable to wear and encompass the entire field of view.

When all of these factors are taken into consideration, a truly immersive experience with real presence is achievable. As you can imagine, hitting all of these points in a synergistic and comfortable manner is essential and difficult. Oculus VR has been working on their developer kits for years while pushing the consumer version back. I believe this is wise. In order for VR to catch on, you must deliver a super solid product that wows consumers. Their current developer kit is close to accomplishing this ‘wow’ factor, and a consumer version is expected by the end of 2015. In order to truly experience oculus VR, you have to try it for yourself. If you cannot wait, however, search for something called Google Cardboard. It’ll do in the meantime.

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/oculus-rift-vr/feed/0Print the Future – 3D Printinghttp://www.shatterbuggy.com/print-future-3d-printing/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/print-future-3d-printing/#commentsSun, 01 Feb 2015 13:17:05 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=6005For the past few blogs I’ve teased the wonders of 3D printing. This week, I’ll finally deliver! What is 3D printing? 3D printers work very similarly to your normal paper and ink printers, except they add a Z-axis. Using a variety of materials as ‘ink’, a 3D printer extrudes layer upon layer of material, from …Read More

What is 3D printing?

3D printers work very similarly to your normal paper and ink printers, except they add a Z-axis. Using a variety of materials as ‘ink’, a 3D printer extrudes layer upon layer of material, from the bottom of the object up, in order to create a 3D object. Most commonly, plastics are used, but metals and other industrious materials can be 3D printed as well. From toys to instruments, medical materials to clothes. You can 3D print just about anything.

How do 3D printers work?

As far as consumer 3D printers are concerned it all begins with the CAD file. CAD or ‘computer aided design’ files have become the preferred format for consumer 3D printing. There are many free options out there for sculpting your own object and saving it to a CAD file, or downloading someone else’s. After you’ve sent your CAD file to the printer, the process begins. An extruder preloaded with plastic filament heats up and deposits material through a small opening on the tip, to the ‘build platform.’ This process is additive, meaning the material is deposited in layers that build on top of each other, until the object is finished.

What can you Print?

The short answer is, pretty much whatever you want. People have created a wide array of immensely useful objects and distributed them for free on the internet. From small hardware such as screws and bolts to amenities such as toothbrush holders and light switch plates. If you can dream it, you can print it. Check out thingiverse to see what people have come up with. It’s quite the trip.

The Future of 3D printing

Consumer 3D printers are only dropping in price. You can build you own for less than $500.00 now. At such an affordable price point, these printers can get in the hands of engineers and innovators who would otherwise been unable to afford them. Because of this, people’s creativity can flourish and we get things such as affordable 3D printed prosthetics for amputee victims, or a cheap splint to help injured patients heal. Medicine is the poster child for 3D printing, but in reality engineers are going to change the world with these things. In a few years you may buy the new iPhone and print it at home.

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/print-future-3d-printing/feed/0iPhone 6 Repair & Screen Replacementhttp://www.shatterbuggy.com/iphone-6-repair-screen-replacement/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/iphone-6-repair-screen-replacement/#commentsFri, 30 Jan 2015 22:59:39 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=6032iPhone 6 Repair Shatter Buggy is pleased to announce we have officially launched our iPhone 6 mobile repair service! If you’ve been living with a shattered iPhone 6 screen because you’re unsure of where to go, or what to do, Shatter Buggy is here to help! Remember, Shatter Buggy is the mobile iPhone repair service …Read More

Shatter Buggy is pleased to announce we have officially launched our iPhone 6 mobile repair service! If you’ve been living with a shattered iPhone 6 screen because you’re unsure of where to go, or what to do, Shatter Buggy is here to help!

Remember, Shatter Buggy is the mobile iPhone repair service that comes to you. For a flat rate $9.99 ‘Come to Me’ fee, Shatter Buggy will come to you, wherever you are in the Denver metro or Minneapolis area. Our expert technicians use the highest quality OEM iPhone 6 parts available, and all of our repairs are backed by a 6 month warranty. If you need iPhone 6 repair in Minneapolis, MN or Denver, CO call Shatter Buggy with any questions and we’ll happily get you on the road to repair.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

If you’re lucky enough to have an iPhone 6 that is not cracked or shattered, you can take some preventative measures to ensure your iPhone stays in tip top shape. We know having a shattered phone sucks, so we’re here to help you avoid it. Although, if your iPhone 6 is broken, Shatter Buggy has you covered!

First, Shatter Buggy recommends getting a case that has you covered on ALL edges. Get a case that covers the corners and edges of the phone, both front and back. Also, get a grippy case. A smooth case may make your phone more susceptible to those butter-finger drops. If you have a cracked iPhone 6 already, ask your technician about case options. Shatter Buggy carries Spigen brand cases that provide the best protection available, in a minimal form factor.

In my personal experience, screen protectors are only good at protecting against scratches, not cracks. However, there has been a resurgence of tempered glass screen protectors which I have heard good things about. The logic behind these screen protectors is that the tempered glass will absorb the impact, leaving your iPhone 6 glass in good shape. These protectors are affordable and some come with a limited warranty.

How to - iPhone 6 Screen Replacement

So you’ve shattered your iPhone 6, and you scheduled a repair with Shatter Buggy. Now what happens?

A Shatter Buggy technician can be at your doorstep in as little as 30 minutes. Additionally, the repair itself takes less than 30 minutes. Shatter Buggy makes iPhone 6 repair in Colorado and Minnesota as simple, and convenient as possible. In as little as an hour, your iPhone 6 can go from shattered, to like new. Enlist the help of Shatter Buggy in order to fix your iPhone 6 screen today!

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/iphone-6-repair-screen-replacement/feed/0Attack of the Droneshttp://www.shatterbuggy.com/attack-drones/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/attack-drones/#commentsSat, 24 Jan 2015 18:36:19 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=5990Technology has been rapidly advancing in fields that were previously inaccessible to consumers. Specifically, fields like 3D printing, consumer drones and virtual reality. The advancement of the aforementioned technologies is largely due to the decreased price of integral components necessary to create these advanced devices. Largely, we have our smartphones to thank for this. The …Read More

]]>Technology has been rapidly advancing in fields that were previously inaccessible to consumers. Specifically, fields like 3D printing, consumer drones and virtual reality. The advancement of the aforementioned technologies is largely due to the decreased price of integral components necessary to create these advanced devices. Largely, we have our smartphones to thank for this. The ubiquity of smartphones has drove down the price of their components, such as displays, batteries and memory, which can then be utilized by other innovators and start ups. This week I’ll bring you up to speed on what drones are capable of.

Drones Achieve Flight

If you’re unsure of what you get with a modern day consumer drone, simply put, you get a glorified RC helicopter. However, unlike RC copters, most drones achieve flight via four or more rotors, earning them the nickname “quad” or quad-copter. A quad has amazing maneuverability and can perform some pretty outstanding ariel acrobatics. This is because each of the four rotors produces it’s own thrust and torque. Because of this, one rotor can increase it’s rotation, while the rotor opposite of it decreases it’s rotation, thus, making the quad turn. Varying speeds of rotation on separate rotors allows you to achieve a good bit of speed as well as precise control while steering. If all four props are rotating equally, the quad simply hovers.

Drones ‘Come Home’

Most consumer quad copters come with their own transmitter to control the drone itself and a mounted camera on the drone. These transmitters are usually equipped with an on board touch screen tablet computer which serves a variety of functions. A transmitter with integrated GPS gives you the option of plotting a route for your drone. Simply trace a path on the touchscreen map, and your drone will fly that path. If you’re flying your drone manually, and you get lost, the GPS in the transmitter and the GPS in the drone can talk to each other, and guide your drone safely back to you. Car company, Renault, has taken this idea a step further with the Renault Kwid. The Kwid is a concept car with drone that deploys, flies around and checks out traffic, and then returns back to the moving vehicle. I believe aggregated crowd traffic data probably works just as well, but that might just be me.

Drones Can See You

Most drones are equipped with HD cameras that pipe video back to their transmitters, as well as record locally on an SD card, allowing you to see the spectacular views your drone sees. Using this technology, and the screen on your transmitter, you can feel like you’re flying the drone in first person, as if you were flying yourself. To take this sensation a step in the more immersive direction, you can wear FPV goggles. Now literally, all you see is what the drone sees, giving you the sensation of zipping through the skies.

Why Drone?

Any hobbyist will tell you how much fun quad copters are. From flying them, to capturing beautiful video, you can get a good bit of enjoyment out of your drone. However, a drone’s utility goes beyond an enjoyable hobby. Amazon has thrown around the idea of using drones for same day local deliveries, drones have been used to create 3D topographical maps, drones have even been deployed in search and rescue missions.

In general, drones have become quite impressive, and we will continue to find unique useful instances in which we enlist their help. For now, the drone space is emerging and growing, but in the not too distant future, drones will be a staple of our digital lives subject to rules and regulation just as everything is. Let’s be sure to enjoy the free unrestricted skies while we can.

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/attack-drones/feed/0Apple HomeKit at CES 2015http://www.shatterbuggy.com/apple-homekit-ces-2015/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/apple-homekit-ces-2015/#commentsSat, 17 Jan 2015 22:52:14 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=5972In 2014, as home automation became more prevalent, it subsequently became more inconvenient. If you have a Nest thermostat, a connected Craftsman garage door and Phillips Hue lightbulbs, you must control each of them from their own respective apps. At WWDC 2014 Apple announced HomeKit, a way to unify home automation apps and devices under …Read More

]]>In 2014, as home automation became more prevalent, it subsequently became more inconvenient. If you have a Nest thermostat, a connected Craftsman garage door and Phillips Hue lightbulbs, you must control each of them from their own respective apps. At WWDC 2014 Apple announced HomeKit, a way to unify home automation apps and devices under the same umbrella. Now, 6 months later at CES, HomeKit is slowly but surely becoming more useful and more prevalent.

What is HomeKit?

HomeKit is convenient because of how easy it is to use when setting up or operating home automation devices. With HomeKit you can organize your devices into groups or ‘scenes’. This makes actions such as turning on all the lights in one room simple. Or you can program a ‘nighttime’ function where HomeKit ensures all the doors are locked, all the lights are off and the security system is armed. All of this can be set up with ease and controlled by a single app, a widget, or by using a custom Siri phrase.

HomeKit at CES 2015

A popular trend that emerged at CES 2015 was adding HomeKit capabilities to non-HomeKit devices and appliances. This can be accomplished through the use of ‘smart-outlets’ or smart enabled lightbulb adapters. At CES, Incipio showed off their wireless enabled smart outlet. A simple device, you plug into a power outlet that subsequently gives anything you plug into it HomeKit capabilities. Whatever you choose to plug into your smart outlet can then be controlled via Siri. Alternatively, with the assistance of an app you can do something more interesting like setting a geofence. Turn on the coffee pot, TV and lights in the kitchen when you get home? With a few smart-outlets and a geofence, this process can be automated, and you’d never have to think twice about it again.

Companies like Zendo are taking things like home security and putting it into the consumer’s hands. With a combination of sensors for your doors/windows and added security cameras, you can have the benefits of home security without the cost of a monthly subscription service. Plus you get the added convenience of easy to access, complete control thanks to HomeKit.

The Future of HomeKit

The conveniences that HomeKit will offer in the near future are only the ‘tip of the iceberg’. With companies like Samsung committing to making 100% of their product line internet connected by 2020, you can finally have the connected Jetsons home of your dreams, easily and affordably.

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/apple-homekit-ces-2015/feed/0Apple CarPlayhttp://www.shatterbuggy.com/apple-carplay/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/apple-carplay/#commentsMon, 12 Jan 2015 20:51:00 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=5837As CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) 2015 wraps up we’re left salivating at the tech that the future holds. Between HealthKit, HomeKit and CarPlay, there is a lot of Apple related news to discuss. This week I’ll focus on the CarPlay side of CES 2015. What is CarPlay? CarPlay is Apple’s solution to integrated iPhone …Read More

]]>As CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) 2015 wraps up we’re left salivating at the tech that the future holds. Between HealthKit, HomeKit and CarPlay, there is a lot of Apple related news to discuss. This week I’ll focus on the CarPlay side of CES 2015.

What is CarPlay?

CarPlay is Apple’s solution to integrated iPhone use within the car. Simply put, your phone connects to the in-dash system your car already has and allows you to use the apps you would normally use while driving. Be it Maps, Messages or Music, CarPlay is a safe and convenient way to access your apps wrapped in a sexy Apple package. CarPlay allows you to interface with your favorite apps via your voice, touch, or other physical controls your vehicle already has.

CarPlay was introduced in 2014, and since then essentially every car manufacturer you can think of has some sort of plan to roll out CarPlay in their vehicles. Up until recently, if you wanted to experience CarPlay, you would have had to buy a new car. However, this year, at CES, we saw a plethora of aftermarket options that bring CarPlay to any vehicle you’d like.

Apple CarPlay vs. Android Auto

CarPlay isn’t the only smartphone integrated system in the game. Recently, Android stepped up to the plate and introduced Android Auto. Android Auto does essentially the exact same thing that CarPlay does, only in an Android package. With the feverish smartphone rivalry creeping into the car market, consumers were left wondering what their options were. When we buy a car, are we going to have to choose between an Apple integrated car or a an Android integrated car? Nay, says the tech companies of CES! Luckily for consumers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can coexist within the same after market head unit, or vehicle.

Pioneer and Kenwood both introduced after market head units that feature not only their own proprietary operating systems, but also CarPlay AND Android Auto. Taking a step in the same direction, Volkswagen announced that their 2016 model vehicles will feature VW’s MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are rumored to follow suit. This sort of unified integration is great for consumers who should not be limited to which vehicles they can purchase because of the smartphone ecosystem they have chosen to reside in.

Harman Shakes Things Up

Stepping out of the in-dash CarPlay archetype, Harman introduces the “Integrated Essentials Cockpit.” Harman’s IEC is interesting because it aims to unify the screens used in the center console and behind the steering wheel. On a single screen behind the steering wheel you have your fuel gauge, current temperature, speedometer and CarPlay all on the same display. This means your eyes can remained focused on the road in front of you instead of glancing towards the center console. All pertinent information about your vehicle as well as the CarPlay apps you would normally be accessing are available conveniently behind your steering wheel. In addition, due to the location of the unit, it is controlled via a touchpad on the steering wheel, as opposed to the traditional touch screen.

Griffin iTrip AUX Bluetooth

Lastly, from CES, unrelated to CarPlay, but related to car audio, it’s the Griffin iTrip AUX Bluetooth. Griffin aims to bring bluetooth audio to systems that have an AUX port, but no bluetooth capability. Simply plug one end of the Griffin device into your system’s AUX port, and the other into your car’s DC power outlet and voila! Inexpensive and convenient bluetooth audio in your car.

The Future of CarPlay

Within the coming years iOS in the car will be so convenient and commonplace we’ll wonder how we lived without it for so long. Until then, we’re left to marvel at the potential it holds until prices drop and CarPlay becomes more commonplace.

]]>http://www.shatterbuggy.com/apple-carplay/feed/0The Top 5 Apps of 2014http://www.shatterbuggy.com/top-5-apps-2014/
http://www.shatterbuggy.com/top-5-apps-2014/#commentsFri, 02 Jan 2015 22:25:27 +0000http://www.shatterbuggy.com/?p=5662Now that the holidays are winding down it’s time to start thinking about which apps to spend those coveted post holiday iTunes gift cards on. In order to assist in your spending, I thought I would share my top 5 most used and favorite apps to drop some gift card money on. Clear First up …Read More

]]>Now that the holidays are winding down it’s time to start thinking about which apps to spend those coveted post holiday iTunes gift cards on. In order to assist in your spending, I thought I would share my top 5 most used and favorite apps to drop some gift card money on.

Clear

First up is Clear. Clear is a wonderful to-do list app by Realmac Software. Using Clear has made my life measurably more organized and productive. The app does everything I need while staying minimal and distraction free. Creating and managing lists is a breeze. Clear takes advantage of an easy to use and intuitive gesture-based interface to manage lists. In addition to gestures, Clear is able to sync quickly and seamlessly across iDevices and Macs as well, making sure you’re organized on all electronic fronts. Customizable themes and sounds as well as a new iOS 8 widget and list reminders/alarms make Clear a joy to use.

1Password

1Password by Agile Bits is an outstanding password manager. Albeit, it does so much more than manage passwords, I’m tempted to call it a digital lifestyle manager. For me, using 1Password has given me piece of mind pertaining to my online security. Every login I create has a unique password, created by 1Password. It has been established that using the same password for every login is a bad security practice. 1Password takes the guesswork out of it and creates a unique login for any and every website you visit. All you have to remember is one password to get into the app itself. Alternatively, on an iOS device, your fingerprint can be used to unlock the app, safely and securely.

In addition to passwords, 1Password can remember identities, including addresses and credit card info. This information can then be autofilled into it’s appropriate field on a web page. This means that with a few clicks within 1Password, you can login to a website, enter your address and credit card and have that item shipped without ever typing a word, or remembering a number. To top it all off 1Password has clients on iOS, OS X, Windows and Android and syncs across said devices. I highly recommend this super convenient password manager.

Castro

As a beautiful and simple, yet fully functional podcast client for iOS, Castro, by Supertop, has quickly become my favorite podcast app. The utility of Castro cannot be emphasized enough. It’s simple interface and intuitive features making listening to podcasts accessible, easy and fun. Most of all, Castro is beautiful. The app very cleverly takes the cover image of a podcast and creates a sort of theme on the playback screen based on those colors. Each podcast seems like it’s playing on it’s own personal-themed podcast app. Rich with beauty and features, Castro is simply the best for podcasts on iOS.

Dark Sky

Dark Sky by Jackadam is a ‘hyperlocal’ weather app. It doesn’t simply tell you it’s raining today. Dark Sky tells you exactly when it’s raining. Many times I’ve received a notification on my phone from Dark Sky that simply says ‘Snow!’, looked out the window, and it’s just beginning to snow. Dark Sky is powered by a weather service created by the Jackadam team. They aren’t simply aggregating data from other weather resources, they’re the real deal. Because of this, their app delivers. Super accurate weather information wrapped in a gorgeous app skin and bundled with notifications and a widget… Dark Sky is the only weather app you’ll need.

Threes

I wouldn’t be much of a gamer if I didn’t include at least one game for iOS. If you don’t have it yet, Threes is a must play. Threes by Sirvo is a cute, quirky, addictive and downright well put together game. It has won many awards including the ‘Apple Design Award’ for 2014. It is difficult to describe Threes, but once you play, it is very intuitive and addicting. There is a 4 x 4 grid of numbers that add to multiples of three, you simply combine matching numbers. For example, a 3 and a 3 combine to make a 6, which you then have to combine with another 6, and so on and so forth. The idea is to get all the numbers on the grid as high as possible. Explaining it is somewhat convoluted, therefore, you should play it for yourself and find out how great it is!

All of these apps would make an excellent addition to any app library. They are immensely useful, fun and well worth their cost. Try them out and report back with your experiences. Also, feel free to post your own top 5 as well!